John W. Massey

1926 - 2021

Massey, John William, of Williamsburg, VA departed this life on Thursday, December 9, 2021 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, H.T. and Mary Massey of Irvington, VA, his sister Mary Massey Gibson, also of Irvington, VA and his brother Albert T. Massey of Richmond, VA. John was survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and his half-sister, Emma Fenzel of Plano, TX and his four sons, John Massey (Lynn) of Richmond, Tom Massey (Frances) of Richmond, Bruce Massey (Grace) of Gloucester, and Tracy Massey of Williamsburg. John was also very proud of his three grandsons, Billy Massey, Will Massey, and Ned Massey (Catie). He loved them dearly. John was born on October 29, 1926 in Tampa, Florida and raised in Irvington, Virginia, where he was affectionately known as "Buddy", a name that his hometown friends used all of his life. After serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II, including a tour in Wiesbaden, Germany, John attended the Richmond Professional Institute, which was a division of the College of William & Mary. He then moved to Richmond, where he met his wife, Shirley. There he began his life-long career in the photo business with Galeski Photo Center. John managed stores on Main Street and Willow Lawn, eventually moving to HQ on Leigh Street. John was involved in many aspects of the business from purchasing to opening new stores, experience that would benefit him greatly in the future. In 1973, he put it all on the line and moved his family to Williamsburg, to open Massey's Camera Shop, which he successfully operated for seventeen years. He ran that store with the experience he gained in previous years and it became a well-known and respected business in Williamsburg. Even though John and Shirley may have been thought of "come-heres", they made a great group of lifelong friends who meant the world to them. John was a valued member of the Williamsburg community. In recognition of his tremendous civic involvement and support of the College of William & Mary, he was awarded The Prentis Award in 1984. John was also a proud member of the Williamsburg Rotary Club. He greatly enjoyed the weekly Thursday dinner meetings at various places in Williamsburg, with the Lodge a long-time favorite. He created and maintained the Rotary Club Directory, which was enjoyed by all members. He was an accomplished carpenter, woodworker and carver. Upon moving to Williamsburg, he built a 2-car garage and converted the prior garage to a playroom that was enjoyed by his family and friends for many years. His blue bird houses were famous in Williamsburg. John was an enthusiastic carver and could make almost anything with wood. A private graveside service will be held December 1, 2022, at 10 AM in the Bruton Parish Churchyard in Williamsburg. The Massey family suggests any memorial contributions be made to the Tribe Club for Men's Track at the College of William and Mary. Donations can be directed to The Tribe Club, PO Box 399, Williamsburg, VA 23187.